Students only gain from fees is graduate debt

The introduction of fees for university-goers has been of little benefit of them, students claim.

According to the National Union of Students (NUS), there has been little improvement in service for the fees spent, which has left many graduates in heavy debt, reports the BBC.

The Dearing report, published in 1997, identified areas of university education that could be improved and influenced Tony Blair's decision to establish fees among British universities.

"As a group, students now stump up more than the 25 per cent contribution to the costs of higher education" Wes Streeting, NUS, said.

"But where are the corresponding improvements in the education they receive?

"Students are being turned into consumers of their education, but they have precious few consumer rights," he added.

Mr Dearing also identified the need for improvement in pay for university staff, something that is still yet to happen according to Sally Hunt, general secretary of the University and College Union. She said: "Ten years on and the incredible work being done by staff in our universities is still not being properly rewarded."

NUS figures suggest that the average cost of a degree is now nearly £20,000 and top-up fees combined with increased in the living expenses could raise student debt at graduation to as much as £33,708 by 2010.